🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative